My friend is suffering from depression and anxiety what can i do to help?

Question

My friend is in the hosiptle now and is about to give up . How long does it take before the meds kick in and what kind of side affects there are ?

Answer 1

Meds often make people more sleepy. It doesn't work for everybody and no one knows how long it will take to kick in. My dr has tried different meds with me and they haven't worked. It's like a trial and error bc everyone is different. Not one treatment works for everybody the same way. More meds often make you more sleepy. My dr still doesn't know as to what to do with me but I do appreciate his kindness and advice. Sometimes, he tried a combo of different meds. Some made me sick. Different meds affect different people. Mostly mine made my throat so dry that I constantly needed water. Also, one med made me so ill that I got persistent migraine, and had no energy and no appetite and want to throw up. There's info on "possible side" effects on the prescribed med at the drug store if you ask for it. However, that doesn't mean everyone is going to have those side effects. It's very subjective. Some may feel no side affects while others do.

I am sure your friend appreciates you visiting her/him. Have you given your friend a card, flowers, teddy (I gave somebody a tiny teddy bear that you squeezed it, it said "I love you"). Everyone is different. Just think about what your friend likes or what do you know about her in the past that has cheered him/her up? For my dad, I brought him a DVD player for him to watch his favourite movie but that's assuming you have access to one. Does she like reading magazines or books? Is your friend into religion? Does your friend like comedians?

Also, if he/she has access to the Internet, he/she can join an anonymous anxiety support group like I did. It was supportive for a while until the moderators kicked me out bc I didn't know there were certain rules about using certain words. The rejection really hurt me so personally I won't be joining any another one any time soon. Just tell her follow the rules and she'll be ok.

The past months have been hell for me and I get no support from everyone around me bc they frown on anxiety/depression.

Despite being kicked out of the group, somebody suggested I watch comedian Christopher Titus. Recently have been watching his act. Titus has turned his dysfunctional family into a successful comedic act. He's still human but he has been able to found humour in his own personal tragedies. You can check him out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDiNk0t-BqY. He's only comedian that has cheered me up. I'm so amazed and impressed how he normal he is despite his dad's drinking problems and mother's suicide. I think he copes because he accepts the things as they are and find humour in it. I am really hoping I can be come out of my own depression be as functional as he is. If Titus can come out ok, I feel l have hope.

Anyhow, if you know her well enough about herself, you'd know what you can to do to show that you care. You can't predict whether you can cheer him/her up bc it's an individual thing. Just showing your care and letting your friend know you're there is the least you can do. You cannot really stop her from giving up bc that's a personal thing. Finding a cure may be easy for some but harder for others. Depression/anxiety is a complex illness and harder to diagnose or treat. Some people struggle longer (like me) to recover while others find therapy that works for them.

Just try to be positive around your friend and understand that you're limited to how much you can do for him/her. You can't read her mind or change him/her thoughts. Doing your best to show support and compassion may be all you can really do to help.

Answer 2

that's too bad. It all really depends on what type of medication. Some are faster than others, it can be anywhere from 2 weeks to 3 months. The most common side effects are;

Headache
Asthenia
Flu syndrome
Fever
Vasodilatation
Nausea
Diarrhea
Anorexia
Dry mouth
Dyspepsia
Constipation
Flatulence
Vomiting
Weight loss
Insomnia
Nervousness
Anxiety
Somnolence
Dizziness
Tremor
Libido decreased
Thinking abnormal
Yawn
Sweating
Rash
Pruritus
Abnormal vision

But Just remember, everybody is different in the way the process medications, and some people dont have any side effects.

Answer 3

The best thing you can do is to just be there and not be judgmental. He or she will really appreciate it if you just let them talk about their feelings and to offer your shoulder to lean on. Give them reassuring hugs if they need or ask, and let them cry if they need to. They will be processing alot of negative emotion and possibly fears. Let them talk. Just being there to listen and offering positive messages will be a great help.The doctors and meds will work on the symptoms. Visit him/her often when they get out. Offer to go with them if they have shopping to do or even take them to a movie, etc. They need caring attention and support. I went through a period of depression and high anxiety. My sister was there for me and did all those things I mentioned. It was a big help to not feel so alone and to feel that someone was listening to me and not judging. She was wonderful and helped me get through the worst of it. As a friend you can do the same thing. Medications generally take 4 to 6 weeks to get the full effect. Once you know what medication they are on you can look up the side effects for that medication.

Answer 4

I've had to deal with depression since about 2001. The side affects very with different people and different ages. It may take a while, but your friend can be helped. If you go to this web site it'll give you a lot of info about depression and the meds, and side affects: http://www.webmd.com/depression/default.htm

Answer 5

It all depends on the treatments that your friend is undergoing. Hopefully, in the hospital they are taking care to keep your friend safe. Depending on the medication it could take a couple of days or a few weeks to see results, each and every patient is different. The side effects are all dependent upon the treatment as well. But try to trust the doctors in making the right call for your friend.
All I can suggest to you is to be there for them, even if they aren't responding to you.
I have been in your friends shoes, and as much as I pulled away from my loved ones, I truly needed them by my side. Keep your chin up and try to put on a happy face for your friend in their time of need.